Department of English and Linguistics
Jonathan Levin, Chair
Maya Mathur, Associate Chair
The English Program
English faculty strive to inspire in students a love for literature and for writing, to help students develop analytical and critical skills, and to guide students in improving their writing.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in English offers courses appropriate to students at all levels. Except for English 295, courses on the 200-level are designed for students from all disciplines. Courses on the 300-level may also appeal to a diverse audience but require a more sophisticated study of texts and more advanced writing. Courses on the 400-level offer a seminar experience in which students study a topic or theme in depth, frequently take charge of class discussions, and produce a major paper or project. To facilitate discussion and individual attention, the department limits enrollment in many classes to 15 to 25 students.
Students who pursue a major in English become familiar with the language, with literary theory, and with a variety of literatures in the language, including works outside the recognized canons. They practice literary and linguistic analysis, and they develop as writers of different modes and genres.
Many juniors and seniors enroll in internships to test classroom knowledge in the outside world and to explore career interests. Juniors and seniors with appropriate academic standing may also elect to pursue individual studies. An increasing number of students choose to study abroad.
Requirements for the English Major
For information on the requirements in the English major, see the University’s undergraduate catalog.
Requirements for the English Major: Creative Writing Concentration
The English Major: Creative Writing Concentration offers students the opportunity to focus on the craft and art of writing, editing, and analyzing their own original work, the work of established writers, and peer writers.
For information on the requirements for the Creative Writing concentration, see the University’s undergraduate catalog.
English Course Offerings
English course offerings are found under the 4 letter code of ENGL in course listings.
For descriptions of English course offerings, see the University’s undergraduate academic catalog.
Faculty
Professors
Antonio Barrenechea
Chris Foss
Teresa A. Kennedy
Eric Lorentzen
Maya Mathur
Marie E. McAllister
Colin T. Rafferty
Gary Richards
Mara Scanlon
Associate Professors
Brenta Blevins
Laura Bylenok
Shumona Dasgupta
Kate Haffey
Benjamin LaBreche
Clarence D. Tweedy
Zachary N. Whalen
Assistant Professors
Ray Levy